MBU blank Arnett for second time in one week

Montego Bay United (MBU) goalscorer Jermaine Woozencraft (left) holding off Neicko Williams of Arnett Gardens during the Red Stripe Premier League game yesterday in Montego Bay. MBU won the contest 2-0.

Western Bureau:

On Sunday, Montego Bay United tagged Arnett Gardens 2-0 at Wespow Park. The margin of victory was the same in a rescheduled game yesterday, as the defending champions went to the top of the Red Stripe Premier League table with goals from Jermaine Woozencraft and Dino Williams.

But while the attackers produced the goals, it was another outstanding defensive job from former Munro College player Kevon Lambert that caught the eyes of the spectators.

He was everywhere and already looked a perfect pairing alongside the more senior centre half Ladale Richie.

The opening goal came from midfielder Woozencroft, who was on target in the 36th minute while Williams scored his sixth goal of the campaign in the 62nd minute to give the defending league champions a fourth straight victory. They lead the league with 25 points.

UWI FC are second in the standings with 22, Humble Lion are third on 21 while Portmore United and Tivoli Gardens FC round out the top-five with 21 and 20 points, respectively.

The champions dominated almost from the start, with Arnett's only period of dominance coming within the first ten minutes of action.

Woozencroft scored the opener when he latched on to a pass that was drilled across goal. Arnett managed to keep the MBU front three, Williams, Allan Ottey and Woozencroft in check, to finish the first half down a goal.

REAL CHANCE

MBU never let up on the resumption, but had to wait for a brilliant bit of skill from Williams. With hIS back to goal, Williams flicked the ball between two defenders and slammed past goalkeeper Damion Hyatt to double the lead.

Arnett's only real chance came in the 81st minute when Marvin Morgan forced MBU goalkeeper Jacomeno Barrett into a low save.

Barrett, who deputised for regular captain Dwayne Ambusley, who sat out the match with a foot injury, told The Gleaner he was happy with how the team performed.

"It was a really good performance; we did the job our coach demanded of us, and to be on top of the league standings is really a good achievement going forward," Barrett said.

Arnett's head coach, Jerome Waite, reasoned that two trips to the Second City in five days took a toll on his players.

"I think the travel to Montego Bay twice has hurt us. We looked lethargic at times throughout the match and that is perhaps why," he said.